Space as a medium. On designing a GUI for HoloLens

Abstract

The purpose of the following thesis is to analyse various aspects of spatial design and define practical principles for creating an effective Mixed Reality application. The research question undertaken in the thesis is the following: How to design an ergonomic user interface for a Mixed Reality application for HoloLens so as to enable a satisfying user-experience? The answer to this question is undertaken within the thesis and the findings served as a basis for the practical diploma piece. Firstly, technical capacities and limits of the HoloLens device will be described with the aim of setting up a clear, knowledge-based background for design choices. Then, a historical background of Augmented Reality will be outlined in order to identify dominant design solutions. To discern a user’s influence and expectations, the next section of the thesis will analyse the characteristics of holograms’ visual style presented in cinematography. In the subsequent section, an assessment of existing design rules will be given. Next, psychological findings relevant to spatial design as well as rules of ergonomic design will be discussed. Finally, an evaluation of the Spacey application will be presented.